New York Red Bulls

Rookie goalkeeper Ryan Meara stepped up big on a number of Real Salt Lake shot attempts to keep the Red Bulls within striking distance, but goals from Fabian Espindola (39') and Luis Gil (58') proved to be enough for the Western Conference side as they went on to win by the final of 2-0 Saturday night at Rio Tinto Stadium.

"They definitely are top three in this league, so the good sign for us was the way we responded after going down two-nil," said Red Bulls head coach Hans Backe. "We controlled the game, dictated the game, created a couple of chances. That's a good sign and credit to the players the way they responded after going down."

New York applied heavy pressure for the better part of the second half, as the pairing of Kenny Cooper, who subbed on at the half, and Thierry Henry looked for ways to capitalize on offense. Defender Jan Gunnar Solli created a number of chances as well on crosses into the box, but failed to find a target to send one home.

The loss hands New York its second of the season, dropping the team's record to 0-2-0 as they return to Red Bull Arena for the highly-anticipated Mar. 25 home opener against the Colorado Rapids. Great seats are starting at $20. Get your tickets now

In the wake of an opening day defeat at the hands of FC Dallas, Red Bulls captain Thierry Henry was adamant that teamwork and unity, on and off the field, will be the key to New York's success this season.

"This is not my team, this is our team, " Henry said after Wednesday's training session at Montclair State University. "It is a team effort when you win the game, nothing to do with the individual."

Having assisted Kenny Cooper's goal, Henry has already shown his contribution that stretches far beyond an extravagant goal tally. Cooper made smart, cutting runs behind the defense as soon as he was subbed in. Henry saw an opening and played an effectively weighted through ball for Cooper to lob past Dallas keeper Kevin Hartman.

"The team brings you somewhere, then the individual takes control in the last minute, not at the beginning," Henry said. "Individuals every now and then step up, but other than that, it's got to be a team effort, and I've said it for a very long time. Everybody from Fernando the kit man to us has to pull the same weight."

The club will look to show the qualities Henry emphasized this Saturday against a resurgent Real Salt Lake side that is coming off an impressive come-from-behind, 3-1 victory over the defending champion LA Galaxy.

Saturday's match also marks the first regular season broadcast on MSG+. Keep an eye out for special promo codes throughout the match for your chance to Watch and Win. More info available here.

Following his MLS debut in the season opener against FC Dallas, rookie goalkeeper Ryan Meara has been nominated for Save of the Week. Check out the other nominees below, and be sure to cast your vote for Meara. Voting runs until 11:59 pm PT on Thursday.

The Red Bulls resumed practice as usual Wednesday afternoon at Montclair State University as they're preparing for this Saturday's match against Real Salt Lake (10pm ET on MSG+). It was the team's first full session since this past weekend's season opener in Dallas.

Jan Gunnar Solli, Stephen Keel, Thierry Henry, Dane Richards, Kenny Cooper and Coach Hans Backe spoke with the media following the session about the team's play in Dallas, what needs to change moving forward and the play of rookie goalkeeper Ryan Meara. Below is a collection of clips, courtesy of our broadcast partner, MSG. Keep an eye out for more clips from training in the upcoming match preview right here on NewYorkRedBulls.com:

The Red Bulls are hosting a special Tweet-Up event at Red Bull Arena for the home opener on Sunday, Mar. 25, when New York hosts the Colorado Rapids at 4pm ET.

Your purchase of a $25 ticket includes a pre-game reception with light snacks, a cash bar and a meet and greet with a Red Bulls player before the match. Additionally, all fans in attendance at the pre-game event will be entered into a raffle for a chance to win two field-level seats!

Feel free to bring your camera or, better yet, Tweet photos of the Arena, the Tweet-Up or anything else that catches your eye before the place fills up prior to kick off.

The Red Bulls fell to FC Dallas Sunday afternoon in their first match of the 2012 regular season by the final of 2-1 (Recap). Forward Kenny Cooper scored the Red Bulls' only goal late in the match, while rookie goalkeeper Ryan Meara showed off some quality saves despite letting in two over the course of a full 90 minutes.

New York returns to action Sat., Mar. 17, when they face Real Salt Lake at Rio Tinto Stadium for a 10pm ET kick. After starting the first two matches of the season on the road, the Red Bulls will return home for the highly anticipated home opener at Red Bull Arena on Sun., Mar. 25 when the Colorado Rapids come to town. Tickets are available now, with great seats starting as low as $20. Get yours at Red Bulls Ticket Central or call 877.RB.SOCCER for more info.

We’d like to send along a special thanks to everyone who came out to Saturday’s Fan Fest event at Red Bull Arena. As is the case with previous Fan Fest events, your response on Twitter and Facebook is always appreciated, so feel free to drop us a line there (or comment below this blog post) to let us know your thoughts. Fan feedback is always taken into consideration with the hopes of making each event better than the last.

If both Twitter and Facebook are any indication, it’s safe to say you guys had a great time at the event. We received a number of Tweets with photos of fans in the locker room and touring the arena. Keep 'em coming!

Thanks again for yet another great event at Red Bull Arena, and be on the look out for more coming soon!